Mosquito-borne diseases: prevention and control measures
Mosquitoes are one of the deadliest insects, causing several diseases, including malaria, zika virus, dengue, West Nile virus, and chikungunya. That’s why it’s crucial to control these harmful creatures to stay protected from health issues.
Malaria: Malaria is one of the diseases caused by a particular mosquito known as anopheles, which carries the protozoan parasite “plasmodium falciparum.” When a mosquito infected with a protozoan parasite bites a normal person, the protozoan parasite is also transferred to the person. Thus, a protozoan parasite completes its lifecycle in two hosts. The diseases can be controlled by using preventive strategies and precautionary measures.
Dengue: Dengue is another disease caused by Aedes aegypti. This is a particular mosquito that carries dengue virus and transfers it to humans. Symptoms of dengue virus include mild to severe headache, muscle pain, rash, nausea, and vomiting. The diseases can be controlled by vaccination, vector control, monitoring and surveillance, and adopting preventive measures.
Zika Virus: Zika is a mosquito-borne virus that is transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. Symptoms of the infection include rash, muscular pain, headache, conjunctivitis, nausea, and vomiting. The diseases should be controlled by utilising reliable and effective pest prevention and control approaches.
Chikungunya: It is another mosquito-borne viral disease caused by the Chikungunya virus. The symptoms of the disease include headaches, rashes, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, and joint swelling (arthritis). To control the disease, apply insecticides, remove standing water around homes, and install window screens to prevent mosquito infestations.
West Nile Virus: It is one of the mosquito-borne diseases caused by the bite of infected Culex mosquitoes. Symptoms include headaches, rashes, swollen lymph nodes, paralysis, respiratory failure, headaches, and even coma. Hence, to stay protected from these health issues, it’s important to adopt serious preventive measures, including mosquito surveillance and monitoring, proper waste disposal, and public education campaigns.
Conclusion
Mosquitoes are one of the deadliest creatures, causing several health issues. Hence, to stay healthy and safe, it’s crucial to prevent mosquito infestation in houses and workplaces. Use insecticidal sprays, remove stagnant water, resolve leakages, and install window screens to control mosquitoes’ buildup in your surroundings.